One thing may be another

I thought I'd write about how not everything is as it seems, about cynicism and lies and jealousy. It's been that kind of a week.
But--why give so much space and energy to negativity?
So instead I'll post this picture I snapped of the backside of the Crocodile the other night, and turn up the music (working my way through this list of local videos). I was lucky enough to see Gran Rapids and SOTA at a show last night, cool Seattle hip hop bands. They rocked, they spat, they killed.

Curry Farts and Snackeroos

Referential Magazine was kind enough recently to publish my story "Curry Farts and Snackeroos."
If you have a free minute, turn up some beats (. or .), sip a hot toddy and check it out.

Charm City

Who knew Baltimore would be so much fun? Much of the credit goes to my indefatigable host. We hit the ground running Friday afternoon, leaving a pomegranate hookah, not a few beers, some local rosé, a blond-pompadoured magician-bartender, two VIP bracelets and some visiting soccer coaches in our wake.
I heart the people, the history, the bars (magic + cocktails = :D), the food, the vibe.
Even the Mulberry Street hostel--a ridiculous bargain at $26.10 a night--was more Amelie than Barton Fink.
*
One seasoned resident warned me to stay out of alleys. Dangerous, she pronounced. As soon as I had time on Saturday, I headed right out to find me an alley.

HBD Seester

It's my sis's birthday today.
She's one of the toughest, most generous, kindest people I know.
And I'm from Kansas, I know a lotta tough people.
Check out her blog. Wish her a happy day.
Try and be tough like her.

Don't lose your nerve

For today, that is all.
Your nerve.
Mine.
Don't lose it.

Recording sesh

This has been my landscape recently:
*a pal's in-house recording studio
*six-packs of mid-range beer & Hot Mama's pizza (1/2 cheese, 1/2 pesto)
*scripts flung across the floor
*staring at the carpet, listening to my singular reader work it out
*chill beats: Sir Mix-A-Lot, Limerence, Shabazz Palaces, Fiona
*hey girrrlll--Maaaaa?--Officer Hoedown
It's coming along, finally; order emerging from chaos, sun peeking from clouds, Terminator stepping out of the fog. Soon, you'll get a chance to peep it. Stay tuned.

Heri ya mwaka mpya

So far 2011 ain't been easy.
I've been working long nights on a cool story project with thad, falling into bed at 2 a.m. and getting up four hours later for all day work meetings.
I started a language class--I'm 101 level and everyone else is 102--and sit there petrified the professor will call on me.
I found out a friend no longer is one.
My boys have been sketchy.
My shrink read a text during our session.
Retrograde Mercury, so I hear.
I wasn't alone in this. It's been a week of high drama and low behavior.
*
Existentially, I am alone.
Creatively though, I live among the best of friends.

I am NOT a softy. So. Not. A. Softy.

I got to hang out with my sister and 8-year-old niece today. Our original plans got scrapped but we winged it, had food and some laughs at the Athinian, goofed around at a 1st Avenue gallery.
When it came time to say goodbye, my niece ran back for a second hug, grabbing me and holding on tight for a minute.
She's a pretty cool customer, so this felt special.
Don't know why. I didn't ask and she didn't say.